In The News

Rosanna Lerner, Ottawa Jewish E-Bulletin – June 18, 2026

Rosanna Lerner is a local teen who participates in one of Ottawa’s BBYO chapters: Yad B’Yad BBG. Having recently been elected to her chapter’s board, she shares her thoughts on what BBYO means to her, and why she is eager to take on this new position. She also hopes to inspire other teens who may feel nervous about stepping into leadership roles that anything is possible.

Ottawa Jewish E-Bulletin – April 16, 2026

A new chapter in Jewish teen engagement is unfolding in Ottawa with the revival of BBYO, a global youth movement that empowers young people to build community, leadership skills, and a strong sense of Jewish identity.

Mia Stanger, Hamilton Jewish News – March 14, 2026

I went to BBYO’s Chapter Leadership Training Conference (CLTC) last summer looking for a good experience, and I found community, confidence, and a stronger version of myself. I have been a member of BBYO since Grade 8, but I never really knew all it had to offer. CLTC showed me that BBYO offers more than I could possibly imagine. Before going, I felt a mix of excitement and nervousness. I wondered if I would fit in or make friends, but I also knew that growth doesn’t happen without stepping out of your comfort zone.

Melissa Dubinsky, Hamilton Jewish News – November 30, 2025

The amazing time I’ve had with BBYO over the past four years inspired me to volunteer to run “BBYO Connect:” our new program for kids in Grades 6-8. In Hamilton and Oakville there is a big Jewish community, with a lot of kids of a variety of ages. I believe that those kids should get an opportunity to meet each other and have fun together, like my friends and I do at BBYO.

Shani Rabizanovich, Hamilton Jewish News – August 20, 2025

Being part of an organization greater than myself has been a transformative experience. It has not only helped shape my identity but also allowed me to embrace who I am within a supportive community that has empowered me to grow and thrive.

Wendy Schneider, Hamilton Jewish News – August 20, 2025

At just 23, Jack Rosenbaum has already made a remarkable impact on Jewish teen life in Hamilton. A graduate student in psychology at McMaster University, Rosenbaum was tapped by Federation to start a local chapter of the non-denominational Jewish youth group BBYO — filling a major gap for unaffiliated Jewish teens seeking community and connection.

Shani Rabizanovich, Hamilton Jewish News – March 17, 2025

The population of the Jewish people is exceptionally small, especially in the community in which I live. Whenever I get the chance to embrace my Jewish identity and meet other Jewish teens, I feel so fortunate to be given that opportunity. BBYO is an organization for Jewish teens that expands all across the world. Currently, I am a member of Hamilton’s BBYO chapter, serving my second term as the vice president of membership.

Wendy Schneider, Hamilton Jewish News – December 7, 2024

In the 15 months since the Hamas terrorist attacks on October 7, 2023 triggered a year of intense violence in Israel, Gaza, and across the Middle East, Jewish students in public schools have borne the impact of anti-Israel activism, which often manifests as antisemitic bullying. With Jewish students representing only a small minority in local schools, many have felt outnumbered and unheard. This prompted the creation of the Jewish Student Forum, a collaborative initiative between the Hamilton Jewish Federation and BBYO as a vehicle through which Jewish students can share their concerns directly with Hamilton Wentworth District School Board (HWDSB) administrators.

Wendy Schneider, Hamilton Jewish News – June 16, 2024

Engaging teens in Jewish life has long been considered among the most significant challenges facing the Jewish community. The rapid decline in teen engagement in North American Jewish life post-b’nai mitzvah is well-documented, and here in Hamilton, there were years in which Jewish teens were all but invisible at community events. That’s why hopes were high when Hamilton Jewish Federation brought the non-denominational Jewish youth group BBYO to Hamilton.

Liav Yakov, Hamilton Jewish News – June 25, 2023

I am a member of Mishpacha BBYO, the only BBYO chapter in Hamilton, the next closest one being about an hour drive from here. BBYO, which stands for B’nai Brith Youth Organization, is a non-profit, teen-led Jewish organization for Jewish youth. BBYO is spread across the whole world, and they have at least five chapters on every continent. Each chapter, region, and even the whole organization is led by teens.

Jack Rosenbaum, Hamilton Jewish News – September 10, 2022

My friend dragged me to an event for Jewish teens and it changed my life. Going to a public high school, I didn’t feel very connected to the Jewish community, nor did I want to be. I had friends, was involved in all sorts of extra curricular activities, and spent a lot of time with my family; I didn’t need anything more. But when I walked into that event and was welcomed by a group of kids greeting me with open arms, I realized that the Jewish community had more to offer than just Bar Mitzvah lessons.

Canadian Jewish News, June 1, 2017- Service Day. Five hundred teens from across the GTA, and nearly 13,000 in 90 communities across 20 countries, recently took part in J-Serve, the International Day of Jewish Youth Service.

Thornhill Liberal, April 7, 2017- Hundreds of teens take part in Day of Jewish Youth Service in Thornhill. Five hundred teens from Toronto and York Region, along with teens from 20 different countries, participated in a day of community service and improvement...

eJewish Philanthropy, April 5, 2017- 13,000 Teens Serve Communities Worldwide as part of International Day of Jewish Youth Service. Approximately 13,000 Jewish teens in more than 90 communities across 20 countries are participating in a day of community service and...

Canadian Jewish News, April 28, 2016- Teens do tzedakah. They were among 500 Toronto-area teens who took part April 17 in J-Serve, a worldwide tzedakah initiative involving 12,000 young people in more than 100 communities in North America, Europe and Israel.

Canadian Jewish News, August 27, 2015- JServe brings teens together for an afternoon. What do you get when you bring 500 Jewish teenagers together for an afternoon? You get sandwiches made for the homeless, craft kits assembled for kids in hospital, friendly visitors...

Thornhill Liberal, March 26, 2015- Premier among volunteers helping Passover food drive. Premier Kathleen Wynne helped pack Passover boxes Sunday at the National Council of Jewish Women office along with other politicians and 100 youth members from BBYO.

Thornhill Liberal, November 27, 2014- Jewish youth groups show they ‘can’. These teens are fighting hunger. Local chapters of a worldwide Jewish youth movement, BBYO, have teamed up with a not-for-profit organization for young people and social change...

Jewish Tribune, March 13, 2014- BBG elects CHAT student as new president. Tanenbaum CHAT student Amanda Freedman, 17, was elected international president of the BBYO B’nai B’rith Girls (BBG) division for young women at BBYO’s recent convention in Dallas.

Canadian Jewish News, March 27, 2014- Teen program set for April 6. Some 500 Toronto-area teens will participate in a day of community service and improvement projects as part of J-Serve, the Global Day of Jewish Youth Service, on April 6.

Shalom Life, March 21, 2014- 500 Toronto Teens Set to Serve Their Community On Day of Service. On April 6th, teens from across the GTA will participate in a day of community service as part of the Global Day of Jewish Youth Service.

Canadian Jewish News, March 20, 2014- Toronto teen elected BBYO int’l president. Amanda Freedman, a student at the Anne and Max Tanenbaum Community Hebrew Academy of Toronto, was recently elected international president of B’nai Brith Girls, BBYO’s division for young...

Shalom Life, March 5, 2014- Toronto Teen Elected to BBYO International Board. TanenbaumCHAT’s Amanda Freedman looks forward to a “new adventure”.

Shalom Life, February 19, 2014- Sheryl Sandberg Says BBYO Helped Develop Her Jewish Identity. While speaking via video at the Jewish teen leadership event, the 'Lean In' author and COO of Facebook said her experiences with the organization brought her closer to...

Canadian Jewish News, November 28, 2013 - Teens learn about hunger on trip to Detroit. Five Canadian teens spent three days learning about hunger as part of an 85-person BBYO trip to southeastern Michigan.

Canadian Jewish News, August 1, 2013 - Thornhill teen helps Hurricane Sandy victims. A Thornhill, Ont., teen spent three days in and around New York City earlier this summer to help people still struggling with major property damage from Hurricane Sandy last year.

Volunteer Toronto, May 13, 2013 - J-Serve Empowers Jewish Youth. In Judaism there is a well-known concept called Tikkun Olam. Tikkun Olam is the responsibility that we have to repair the world and make it a better place for everyone.

Canadian Jewish News, May 9, 2013 - J-Serve brings out hundreds of teen volunteers. More than 500 Jewish students from grades 6 to 12 recently spent an afternoon doing volunteer work in Toronto, including planting trees and picking up litter, as part of the fourth...

North York Mirror, April 30, 2013 - Youth Pitch In. J-Serve member Zachary Schryverd shares the workload during the global day of Jewish youth service tree planting event in Earl Bales Park on Sunday.

Canadian Jewish News, April 25, 2013 - Toronto-area teens get set to perform community service. Five hundred Toronto-area teens will participate in a day of community service and improvement projects when they take part in J-Serve, the Global Day of Jewish Youth...

Shalom Life, April 10, 2013 - Five Hundred Toronto Teens Serve Their Community on April 28th. Five hundred Toronto area teens, along with 10,000 Jewish teens from across North America, Europe, and Israel, will participate in a day of community service and improvement...

Jewish Tribune, October 25, 2012 - BBYO launches gap year Israel experience. Committed to providing more Jewish teens with more meaningful Jewish experiences, BBYO has launched a new pre-college, gap year program in Israel, Beyond (www.beyondyear.org).

Canadian Jewish News, October 18, 2012 - BBYO launches gap-year Israel experience. BBYO has launched a pre-college gap-year program in Israel to provide Jewish teens with meaningful Jewish experiences.

Canadian Jewish News, August 9, 2012 - Summer camp inspires educator. Aleeza Lubin has an impressive resumé. With degrees in history and education and a master’s from Columbia University in New York, the Toronto native has taught everything from high school math to...

Buffalo Jewish Review, June 22, 2012 - Award presented at BBYO in Marci Birzon's honour. The Lake Ontario Region of BBYO held their annual awards ceremony recently.

Jewish Tribune, May 3, 2012 - GTA teens serve in J-Serve for a day of volunteering. What do you call it when nearly 500 Jewish teens in the Greater Toronto Area (GTA) from 20 different youth groups and a variety of religious affiliations come together to do some good...

Jewish Tribune, April 26, 2012 - BBYO embraces anti-bullying doc, taking message to Jewish teens. Emotional. Raw. Frustrating. That’s how Oz Fishman describes his reaction to Bully, a documentary that follows five students who face bullying daily.

Canadian Jewish News, April 19, 2012 - Teens to serve community. Five hundred Toronto-area teens will participate in an afternoon of community service on April 22.

Shalom Life, April 16, 2012 - 500 Toronto Teens Set to Serve Their Community on April 22nd. Five hundred Toronto-area teens will participate in an afternoon of community service and improvement projects on April 22, 2012 as they, along with 10,000 Jewish teens from...

Canadian Jewish News, March 8, 2012 - BBYO teens gather for convention in Atlanta. Atlanta hosted more than 1,100 visitors from multiple countries Feb. 16 to 20 for the largest-ever international convention of BBYO, one of the world’s major Jewish youth groups.

CHATTER Magazine, Fall/Winter 2011 - TannenbaumCHAT students hone Leadership Skills at BBYO. At TannenbaumCHAT, tikkun olam - making the world a better place - teaches our students to give back to the community.

Canadian Jewish News, December 1, 2011 - BBYO members attend summit about equality. Three Toronto-area teenagers returned recently from Boston, where they spent three days learning about equality issues.

Canadian Jewish News, August 4, 2011 - Teens do advocacy in D.C.. Nine teens from Ontario joined North American and Bulgarian peers for the PANIM Institute of B’nai Brith Youth Organization’s recent Human Rights and Genocide Summit.

Canadian Jewish News, June 23, 2011 - 500 Toronto Teens join 10,000 more in a day of tzedakah. More than 500 Toronto-area teens rolled up their sleeves and joined forces with 10,000 other Jewish teens from across North America, Europe and Israel on April 10th, as part...

Canadian Jewish News, June 2, 2011 - Toronto teen co-chairs human rights summit. Jesse Freedman says he and fellow Jewish teens have a responsibility to prevent atrocities from happening again.

Shalom Toronto, May 26, 2011 - 500 Toronto Teens Join 10,000 More in a Day of Tzedakah. More than 500 Toronto-area teens recently rolled up their sleeves and joined forces with 10,000 other Jewish teens from across North America, Europe and Israel on April 10th, as...

The Liberal, Mar. 24, 2011 - Jewish teenagers celebrate their culture. Some 750 Jewish teenagers from more than 11 countries gathered together recently at the B'nai B'rith Youth Organization's (BBYO) International Convention in Los Angeles.

Snap North York, May 1, 2011 - J-Serve Toronto. For the second year in a row, Toronto-area teens had the opportunity to participate in J-Serve, the Global Day of Jewish Youth Service at Adath Israel Congregation.

Jewish Tribune, Apr. 7, 2011 - J-Serve program unites diverse group of Jewish teens. More than 500 Toronto-area teens, along with 10,000 others from across North America, Europe and Israel, will participate in J-Serve, the Global Day of Jewish Youth Service, on...

North York Mirror, Apr. 7, 2011 - Global Day of Jewish Youth Service in North York. Some 500 teens will scatter throughout the Greater Toronto Area and lend a hand to various organizations Sunday for J-Serve's Global Day of Jewish Youth Service.

Canadian Jewish News, Mar. 31, 2011 - Teens to participate in day of service. More than 500 Toronto-area teens, along with 10,000 Jewish teens from across North America, Europe and Israel, will participate in a day of community service next month.

Canadian Jewish News, May 21, 2010 - Teens practice tikkun olam. Hundreds of GTA-area teens joined Jewish teens from across North America, Europe and Israel for J-Serve, the Global Day of Jewish Youth Service.

Canadian Jewish News, Apr. 29, 2010 - Jewish service isn't zero-sum. Last Sunday, thousands of Jewish teenagers took time away from their homework, extracurricular activities and extended sleep schedules to offers a few hours of volunteer service under the banner of...

Rogers Television, Apr. 22, 2010 - J-Serve Toronto on First Local News. BBYO was featured in a segment about J-Serve on First Local News, aired on Rogers Television York Region.

Canadian Jewish News, Apr. 22, 2010 - Teens work to make the world a better place. Hundreds of Toronto-area teens will be among the 10,000 across North America, Europe and Israel who will work to improve the world during an international day of community service.

Jewish Tribune, Mar. 18, 2010 - Toronto-area teens attend largest BBYO international convention in Dallas. More than a foot of snow couldn’t stop 10 Toronto-area teens from joining about 800 of the world’s leading Jewish communal thinkers – all 18 years of age or...

The Liberal, Feb. 21, 2010 - Concert not just another brick in the wall. Two Jewish teen organizations in the Greater Toronto Area are putting on a concert in Thornhill to raise money for schools in developing countries.

Canadian Jewish News, Feb. 18, 2010 - Bands get set to battle for education. Local teens have planned a benefit concert for Free the Children, with proceeds directly supporting the building of schools in developing countries through the organization’s Brick by Brick...

Canadian Jewish News, Feb. 18, 2010 - Beauheart Ball. Teens from several local BBYO chapters attended the annual Beauheart Ball at Sheraton Parkway Toronto North Hotel on Jan. 30.

Canadian Jewish News, Nov. 12, 2009 - Teens Meet. A chance to explore their own Jewish identity and engage with spirituality, culture and religion brought teens from across the greater Toronto area together recently at BBYO’s Fall Regional Convention.

Canadian Jewish News, Aug. 20, 2009 - Golf Winners. BBYO’s friends and alumni network (FAN) recently held its 15th annual Memorial Golf Tournament at Nobleton Lakes Golf Club.

Canadian Jewish News, June 12, 2009 - BBYO 'sails' off into sunset. Local teens celebrated the end of a milestone year for BBYO's Lake Ontario region at the movement's recent Toronto Harbour Boat Cruise.

Canadian Jewish News, June 4, 2009 - Record number of teens attend BBYO convention. A record number of Toronto-area teens boarded buses to Camp Northland for BBYO's spring regional convention, this year.

Jewish Tribune, Apr. 23, 2009 - BBYO is sleepless for Israel. Marking the launch of a unique partnership between Beth Radom congregation and B’nai B'rith Youth Organization (BBYO), Beth Radom is hosting Up All Night for Israel, a citywide event for Jewish teens in...

Canadian Jewish News, Apr. 8, 2009 - Beauheart Ball. Teens from five local BBYO chapters attended the group’s annual Beauheart Ball semiformal at Le Parc on March 28, at which Sierra Bahar of Chapter Beth Radom and Ziv Haddi of Chapter Magen were elected as regional...

Canadian Jewish News, Mar. 26, 2009 - Mind, Body, Attitude. Girls from three local BBYO chapters took part in the group’s “Mind, Body, Attitude” overnight program on March 7 at BBYO’s teen lounge in North York.

Canadian Jewish News, Mar. 19, 2009 - BBYO Convention. Ten teens from Toronto represented BBYO’s Lake Ontario region among 750 teen leaders who gathered in Long Branch, N.J., last month for BBYO’s largest international convention in its 85-year history.

Jewish Tribune, Mar. 12, 2009 - Torontonian elected to BBYO International Board. When Grade 11 student Josh Harendorf arrived at the hotel where the B’nai B'rith Youth Organization’s (BBYO) annual International Convention (IC) took place on Feb. 11, he was in the...

Canadian Jewish News, Feb. 12, 2009 - BBYO genocide program puts focus on Darfur. Sixteen-year-old Maya Feldberg was not at a party on Saturday, Jan. 31. She wasn’t at a movie, a friend’s house or a restaurant, either. Instead, she spent the night learning about...

Jewish Tribune, Feb. 5, 2009 - A sleepless night for Darfur. As lights winked out across Toronto a flame burned bright and strong in the B’nai B’rith Youth Organization’s teen lounge this past weekend.

Canadian Jewish News, Dec. 22, 2008 - BBYO Chanukah Bash. Teens collected toys for BBYO's annual Chanukah toy drive at the group's Chanukah Bash.

Canadian Jewish News, Dec. 11, 2008 - Making Memories. High school students from all over the city and from all types of Jewish backgrounds gathered recently for a weekend of culture, leadership, and friendship at BBYO's fall regional convention in Cambridge, Ont.

Canadian Jewish News, Oct. 16, 2008 - BBYO Night Party. Thirty teens enjoyed all-night laser tag, karaoke, games and movies until sunrise at BBYO’s annual Laserquest Lock-in event.

Canadian Jewish News, Oct. 10, 2008 - BBYO Kickoff. More than 100 teens recently kicked off BBYO's new year at an outdoor carnival co-ordinated by members of the Lake Ontario regional executive.

Canadian Jewish News, Sept. 4, 2008 - Trillium Foundation grant boosts BBYO. Kelly Indarjit, BBYO regional president of B'nai B'rith Girls (BBG), and Josh Harendorf, regional president of the boys' wing of BBYO, Aleph Zadik Aleph (AZA), are thrilled that BBYO recently...

Canadian Jewish News, Aug. 21, 2008 - BBYO Gets Grant. B’nai B'rith Youth Organization’s Lake Ontario region, headquartered in Toronto, received a $73,500 Ontario Trillium Foundation grant, the provincial agency said this month.

Canadian Jewish News, Aug. 14, 2008 - BBYO Golf Tournament. BBYO recently held it's 14th annual golf tournament at Nobleton Lakes Golf Club.

North York Mirror, Aug. 8, 2008 - BBYO boosted by Trillium funds. B'nai B'rith Youth Organization (BBYO) is looking to expand thanks to a $73,500 Ontario Trillium Foundation grant.

Jewish Tribune, Apr. 10, 2008 - Toronto teens give back as part of N.A. initiative

Canadian Jewish News, Mar. 27, 2008 - Jewish youths come together for Tikkun Toronto

Canadian Jewish News, Mar. 6, 2008 - BBYO Teens Gather in Ottawa

Canadian Jewish News, Jan. 8, 2009 - Two Cents for Change. Jewish teens gathered recently to share their "two cents" on global issues. The workshop, titled Give your Two Cents, Get Back Change, was sponsored by BBYO and led by teens Sarah Katz and Eli Krapivnik.

Canadian Jewish News, Nov. 29, 2007 - Service Award

Canadian Jewish News, Oct. 25, 2007 - Laserquest Lock-In

Canadian Jewish News, June 7, 2007 - BBYO Convention

Canadian Jewish News, May 10, 2007 - Youth give back with Tikkun Toronto

The Liberal, Apr. 10, 2007 - Rebuilding homes, rebuilding lives

Canadian Jewish News, Apr. 5, 2007 - Leaders in training

Canadian Jewish News, Apr. 5, 2007 - New Orleans has profound effect on Jewish youth

The Liberal, Mar. 12, 2007 - Guinness record bid in Thornhill

Canadian Jewish News, Mar. 1, 2007 - High schoolers to help clean up New Orleans

Canadian Jewish News, Jan. 18, 2007 - Boys Seek Record

Canadian Jewish News, Dec. 21, 2006 - Toy Drivers

Canadian Jewish News, Dec. 14, 2006 - Snake Handlers

Canadian Jewish News, Nov. 16, 2006 - Jewish teens hit the road

Canadian Jewish News, Oct. 12, 2006 - BBYO Fall Convention